Panic World The wild world wide web of witches
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Oct 8, 2025 Join Peter Berkman and Luke Silas from Anamanaguchi as they dive into the spellbinding intersection of internet culture and witchcraft. Peter explores how algorithms echo rituals, while Luke shares insights on niche communities and identity experimentation online. They recount early online pagan networks and the rise of meme magic, including a discussion on how TikTok revives old subcultures and connection to political hexes. This lively chat unpacks the evolution of digital identities and the collective power of modern witchcraft.
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AIM Breakup Hex
- Luke Silas tells a middle-school story about being hexed after breaking up over AOL Instant Messenger.
- He jokes the timeline got bad afterward but isn’t sure which outcomes were the hex's work.
Algorithms As Modern Spellcraft
- Peter Berkman compares internet algorithms to a form of modern witchcraft that inserts ideas into your subconscious.
- He links ritual (like Bloody Mary) to algorithmic suggestion producing recurring ads and thoughts.
1994 Usenet Witch Debate
- Ryan reads a 1994 Usenet post about debating whether Kate Bush is Wiccan to illustrate early online pagan communities.
- He highlights Podsnet and MagicNet as early BBS havens for witches and pagans.
